3
$\begingroup$

In Wikipedia there is a page on hybrid cryptosystems. However, although cryptography contains a lot more than just encryption, only hybrid encryption using key encapsulation and data encapsulation is discussed.

So my simple question is: should I consider a signature scheme using a hash a hybrid cryptosystem? Or is the term not that well defined and is it up to the entity that uses the term?

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
2
  • $\begingroup$ Isn't the word cryptosystem only used for encryption? $\endgroup$
    – CodesInChaos
    Commented Jan 11, 2018 at 0:01
  • $\begingroup$ Hmm, it is according to Wikipedia. Must be something from the olden days maybe. I was thinking that it is just several algorithm tossed together to create any kind of system. Could be the answer... $\endgroup$
    – Maarten Bodewes ♦
    Commented Jan 11, 2018 at 0:04

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
3
$\begingroup$

What I didn't directly see is that a hybrid cryptosystem is not the same thing as hybrid cryptography. A cryptosystem is commonly targeting encryption: it exists of a key generation function $\operatorname{Gen}$, an encryption function $\operatorname{Enc}$ of course a decryption function $\operatorname{Dec}$.

So although signature generation could probably be called hybrid cryptography, it commonly isn't a hybrid cryptosystem because it lacks the $\operatorname{Enc}$ and $\operatorname{Dec}$ function.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
1
  • $\begingroup$ It wouldn't hurt to be careful when using these terms though, some clarification is probably in order. $\endgroup$
    – Maarten Bodewes ♦
    Commented Jan 12, 2018 at 2:19

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.